Recklessly Royal(11)

“The list is fine, except for this name.” I tapped the name of a reporter from America. “He ran a very unflattering piece on the duchess a couple of months ago and I’m not going to let him rip apart their wedding day just for kicks.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll make a note of it.” Tabitha bobbed her head and hurried on down the hallway in a different direction.

“It seems like most everything has been taken care of,” I said.

“You’ve done an excellent job of seeing to everything.” Selene smiled at me.

“Oh! What about the ring bearer and flower girl? Did their gifts come in? Sam wants to give them to the children at the rehearsal dinner.” I flipped through my e-mail on my phone, looking for a confirmation of delivery.

“They are wrapped and in the duchess’s room.”

Samantha hardly ever used her room at the palace. If she was staying overnight you would find her in Alex’s room, even if he wasn’t. I’d say it was disgusting the way they loved each other, but to be honest that would just be jealousy talking. I wanted something like what they had but knew better than to think it would really happen to me.

“Excellent. She will be able to use her room? We haven’t put everything on the bed, right?” Sam might not agree with me, but she wasn’t spending the night with Alex right before they got married. I’d sleep in front of her door if I had to. I wanted him to see her walking down the aisle in her wedding gown and feel the full impact. Most people didn’t find true love; they had been lucky. Far luckier than I was likely to be. I’d never be able to trust that someone wanted me for me, not just what I could get them.

“Of course not. She will be able to get in her own bed.” Selene cracked a smile. “If you can keep her there.” The staff at the palace thought it was funny that Sam snuck into Alex’s room and vice versa. Eventually it became a loud secret. No one openly talked about it, but they all knew. Now Sam didn’t even try to hide it. She just came and went as she wanted, though the palace’s official stance was that they had separate rooms when the media asked.

“I’ve already bought the super glue and extra door lock.” I laughed. Sam had given me an evil look when I told her she had to stay in her room the night before the wedding. I knew it was an old tradition, but it was something we had upheld in our family. Plus, I was a romantic. They’d thank me later.

“Oh, your mother would like to see you tonight before dinner.”

“That’s fine. I think we can work in a little additional time.” Several of the visiting royals and dignitaries would be here soon and a welcome dinner had been set up. We rounded a corner and passed several of the rooms allocated for guests. “Oh, do we have any extra rooms available?”

“I’ll have to check. Have we forgotten someone?” She flipped through the pages.

“Sort of. Samantha has a houseguest and he’s coming to the wedding.” I thought over the floor plan. “If we don’t have any guest rooms left, put him in the family wing. David Rhodes.”

“He is a close friend of the duchess?” Selene made notes.

“Yes. They went to college together and he will be managing the hands-on portion of the FBT while Alex and Sam are gone.” When we got to the small room I used as my office, I kicked my shoes off. I should have worn flats, but sometimes appearances really did matter. At least when I needed to make a good impression. Walking over to the small fridge behind my desk I grabbed another bottle of water. I had already drained the first one. My head was pounding and all I wanted to do was take a nap. “Do we have any aspirin?”

“I’ll go get some for you.” She set her clipboard down on her desk. “Do you need anything else?”

“Maybe a snack.” A little food might help settle my stomach as well. “Nothing heavy, please.”

“I’ll be right back.” She closed the door behind her and I fell into my seat with a sigh. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Why had I drunk so much last night? Rubbing at my temples, I closed my eyes and tried to will the queasy feeling away.

A knock on my door gave me a start that was quickly followed by irritation. I should have an hour free to catch up on e-mails.

“Come in.” Sitting up straighter I forced a smile.

“I thought you might need this.” Chadwick smiled at me and held up a sports drink. “Electrolytes.”

“I’d kiss you but I might puke if I get up.” Sighing, I leaned back in my chair.

“Please don’t get up then.” He closed the door behind him gently before taking the cap off the drink and handing it to me.